Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been obtaining loans for the nation’s capital without seeking approval from the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation while speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, saying she had raised concerns about the minister’s borrowings with the Senate leadership.
“I have never seen Wike come to the national assembly and before the senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
Kingibe said FCT budgets are usually presented to the Senate through the relevant committee for consideration before being approved by the upper legislative chamber.
She, however, alleged that Wike had never sought legislative approval for loans obtained for the nation’s capital.
“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the national assembly. I don’t know about the house, but certainly not the senate,” she said.
The senator said she became aware of the loans after reviewing information from the Debt Management Office (DMO) covering borrowings from August 2023 to March 2026.
Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her claim to provide evidence that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.
“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the national assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.
The senator added that President Bola Tinubu, from whom Wike derives his powers, submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly.
She argued that Wike’s powers as FCT minister could not exceed those of the President, who is the commander-in-chief.
The allegation is expected to heighten scrutiny of the FCT’s borrowing and financial management, particularly over whether the required legislative approvals were obtained.
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